On the drive back from backpacking in Shenandoah, there’s a slight disparity in messages on billboards in Baltimore — at least when interpreted only on the print and not in context. First you see a sign that says "Celebrate cultural diversity" then you see a sign that says "The road to equality." I found it a bit ironic that these two almost opposite messages exist. Each has it’s importance and in context I’d totally agree with the message behind each. Yes, it is important to treat all people equal. Yes, it is important to celebrate and embrace cultural differences. At the same time though, striving to completely embrace each is hard because of the principles behind the message:
I think the point behind celebrations of cultural diversity is to develop a sense of identity and belonging to a group. This is primarily for the members of a group. It’s just plain and simple human nature to yearn for a sense of belonging somewhere. As a secondary result, this will bring awareness of the group and its culture to others so perhaps they understand and can embrace the differences as well.
In contrast, I think equality in society is based around the notion that we’re all human, all one in the same, all part of one big melting pot of culture, race, or religion. We all deserve a chance at being treated just like your brother, mother, or friend.
Where am I going with this? Nowhere really, I’m just entertaining the idea that the age-old struggle between cultures will always exist because it’s an impossible thing to balance when you yearn for both diversity and similarity. I realize similarity is based upon a principle that we’re all different and that we should still treat each other the same, but I think that right there is human nature at its best. When you have it one way, you want it the other and vice versa. Hence, I like my vegetables with salt and cracked pepper. Having just one would never taste right. Epiphany… no, but food for my thoughts, at least. Yum.
i’ve always preferred the salad bowl metaphor as opposed to the melting pot concept, thereby representing each culture as individual within the same community, but not necessary merging and losing part of their own identity in the assimilation process. of course the cultural struggle will always exist. but within the principle that “we’re all different and we should still treat each other the same,” there must be the hope that the majority will act upon that belief to encourage the cultural struggle toward cultural acceptance. otherwise, all we’re ever doing is fighting a losing battle with human nature at its worst.